Get It Together at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2024

Hello everyone!

I am Marlena McHenry, and I’m thrilled to announce the world premiere of Get It Together, my first-ever full-length solo show, at the 2024 Hollywood Fringe Festival in June. I am so excited to share my work and connect with other amazing artists.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Follow Marlena McHenry’s drag persona, Mercutia Falstaff, through a tour of all of her favorite D&D characters. In a show with no fourth wall to be seen, come ready to explore the masks we present to each other and how we shed the layers of our personas to let others in. By exploring the issues of loneliness, guilt, fear, and love through the characters he plays, watch Mercutia be forced to grapple with his own reality in the face of grief. Expect four characters, two hours, and one fabulous mustache.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Marlena McHenry (she/her) (Actor/Playwright/Director/Producer) is a San Francisco Bay Area-based theatre artist with a passion for devising and new works. With a BA in Theatre from Western Washington University, Marlena has performed on many stages in Washington, and is excited to be performing for the first time in California. She most recently enjoyed working with StoryBook Theatre, Parley Productions, and Pacific Play Company.

WHY I AM FUNDRAISING:

This is my first time self-producing, directing, and writing my own piece—all in drag! While I’m excited beyond measure, I also face the financial realities of bringing this show to life. Your support will help cover expenses such as venue rental, travel, lodging, staffing, insurance, props, costumes, and festival registration.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Your contribution—whether monetary, social, or emotional—is invaluable. Every bit helps me bring this labor of love to the stage. Please consider donating and sharing this GoFundMe with your network to support indie theatre and LGBTQ+ representation.

COST BREAKDOWN:

-Venue Rental: $2,028 (5 performances)

-Travel & Lodging: $1,100

-Staffing: $1,100

-Insurance: $250

-Costumes/Props: $350

-Festival Registration: $300

-GoFundMe Fees (3%): $150

-Advertising: $100

$5,500 is the minimum I’m looking to raise to cover my costs for this show. Anything above that will go towards supporting me, my art, and writing and performing more shows in the future. It was a nice, even $5,000, but alas, more magical costs appeared.

BARD’S BOUNTY:

I wrote most of my show at my favorite tea store: Friday Afternoon Tea in Seattle, WA. I’ve also created custom tea blends with them for two of my characters in the show! I’ve collaborated with them to make a special sampler box of teas. We call it “Get It Tea-gether”. Included are four glass vials of tea; one for each of the characters.

- Mercutia Falstaff- White and black teas, black peppercorns, strawberry, blue sparkle sugar, gold star sprinkles, blue butterfly peaflower, rose, lemon flavoring, blue and silver lustre dust

- Shining River- Black teas, pink peppercorn, lemon peel, lemon verbena, pineapple, black peppercorn, orange peel, szechuan peppercorn, gold lustre dust

- Starry-Eyed Dreamer (Voltaire)- Black tea, white tea, blueberry, blue butterfly peaflower, purple lustre dust, natural vanilla flavoring

- Aquarius (Whelley)- Green tea, coconut flake, lime peel, spearmint, natural coconut flavoring

For anyone who donates $200 or more, I’ll send a Get It Tea-gether sampler pack, along with my heartfelt thanks.

SHOW DATES & TICKETS:

Catch me at the Madnani Theater for five shows throughout the month. Tickets will be available for purchase on the Hollywood Fringe Festival website starting May 1st here.

- Friday, 6/7 at 7pm

- Tuesday, 6/18 at 7pm

- Saturday, 6/22 at 11am

- Wednesday, 6/26 at 8:30pm

- Saturday, 6/29 at 2:30pm

For those unable to attend in person, there will be a livestream of the 6/18 show! Info is available on the website where tickets are.

FOLLOW & SHARE:

Stay updated on the journey by following my Instagram @marlenadorothy and sharing this GoFundMe with your friends and family.

Thank you for your support!

Marlena